I want to say that the time, for me, in Timor so far has been rewarding but tough. Its not one particular thing or issue that makes it tough, but rather so many smaller things that compound to make life stressful. Just this morning, I bought a can of spray paint from the local Kiosk store. When I got home I realized that it was barely 1/4 full. It was a Chinese import (as the vast majority of products here are… relatively low quality). Such as small trouble to have, but it was after many sleepless nights, a hot day and just got to me at the time. I know the other volunteers feel the same, but we all have ways of taking a deep breath and putting things into perspective. I definitely have perspective 👍. My morning runs help…..
This post is a bunch of random things that happened these last couple of weeks. We have a “Host Family Appreciation Day” this coming Saturday. I have a short speech to give (in Tetun 😫) and I decided to make some cornhole boards so they could be played at the event! (for those of you none Americans that don’t know Cornhole, here is a link). I thought it would be a good idea to make the boards and paint one with a USA flag and one with a Timor-Leste flag. Sounds easy right!!? It has not been. We don’t really have a workshop here, so I have had to make do with materials I could find and source. I was even able to find a local carpenter (named Pascal) who had a jig saw and was able to cut out the central holes. I’m happy with the way they turned out considering what I had to work with. Now I just need to make the sacks from some socks and locally sourced beans (a task for tomorrow).
Last week three of us volunteers (myself, Shelby and Andrew) visited a local Disability Advocacy organization near Gleno called Forum Juventude Defisensia Ermera (FJDE). One of us CED volunteers will be supporting this group from January onwards. It was a tough visit as we discussed and asked questions in Tetun. The Team did great 😀. The organization supports local people with disabilities. They are one of the few disability groups who operate outside of the capital Dili. The main coordinator (Marcos) is disabled himself. He has such a great vision for the organization and what they can achieve in the future. He, and the Org, are also involved in supporting the Timor-Leste Special Olympics, which happens in Dili. Below are some photos of the building they operate from including photos of bags they make (via mechanical sewing machines) to sell to raise funds. The bags were beautiful and I bought 2! I have the idea to send some to the UK and get some distributed to heighten awareness of the organization. A future idea 😁.
So… next Wednesday our volunteer organization will announce our permanent sites (we will be at from January for 2 years). None of us Volunteers know where they will be. There is a “chance” I will stay in Gleno, but a greater chance I will be somewhere else. There has been much gossip (Lori Lira) about the possibilities. Its a little nerve-racking. A new location, new organization, a new host family and on our own without day to day interaction with other volunteers (likely). We had our final Tetun language class with Mana Else this week. Sad 😢. Mana Else has been super and I am really going to miss her. Such a sweet person and the patience of a saint! Last language group photo below.
It will also soon be farewell to Domingo and his family also (my host Family). The Peace Corps took some photo shots earlier this week and I show some of those below. Domingo is a great guy and I hope I will be able to return to visit regularly.
Today (28th November) is Thanksgiving day in the USA but, coincidentally, is also Independence Day in Timor-Leste. In 1975, Timor-Leste declared independence from Portugal. On December 7th of the same year (1 week later) Indonesia invaded Timor-Leste. Michael (a fellow volunteer) and I went to the “flag raising ceremony” this morning to mark the occasion. It was hot but very rewarding. The people of Timor-Leste are a proud people. I was even able to understand most of the speeches 🤔. Some of photos below from the event.
The next couple of weeks will be busy, so I am not sure when my next post will be. Below I leave you with a photo from my morning run where I met Ykho, a local trainee teacher based here in Gleno. We ran together for a lap (I think he slowed down for me lol). Thanks for reading!! Cheers!! James.
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